Driver warning as keyless thefts surge

A surge in keyless car thefts is raising concerns as experts warn motorists to take preventative measures against organised crime. 

The car insurance team at Quotezone are sharing five ways motorists can protect their vehicles as theft techniques become more sophisticated and offenders increasingly target cars with keyless entry systems.

Signal manipulation is a technique criminals are using to intercept wireless signals between a car and its key fob to unlock and start the vehicle – thieves can even block the tracker inside the car so it’s harder to recover.

This method accounted for 58% of all car thefts between April 2023 and March 2024*, with offenders using devices to replicate and manipulate key fob signals to gain illegal access.

A new law which will make it illegal to possess or share electronic devices used to steal cars is making its way through Parliament, but the experts say this may not be enough to help allay the concerns of motorists across the country.

Drivers are being urged to take precautions such as using traditional deterrents, like a steering wheel lock, parking in well-lit areas preferably with CCTV coverage or turning off the keyless feature altogether.

Car insurance premiums have been known to increase when there is a surge in theft of a particular make and model of vehicle.  Jaguar Land Rover reportedly stepped-up security measures after owners were experiencing escalated premiums after high rates of vehicle theft – which saw the brand make the top 10 list of most stolen cars under three years old.**

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Criminal groups are quickly adapting to modern vehicle technology, allowing them to steal cars without needing access to keys – meaning drivers need to take practical steps to protect their vehicles.

“Statistics show keyless car thefts are now the most common type of motor theft across the UK. 

“The new law on possessing or sharing the electronic devices used to detect key fob signals is really encouraging but with the prevalence of this crime, we are concerned this may not be enough. 

“It’s important for drivers to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and be aware of the additional security measures that could help keep their car safe.

“For this type of modern crime, it’s often best to go back to basics and use traditional safety measures, considering when and where the car is parked, hiding valuables and adding physical deterrents like chains and wheel locks – anything to make stealing the vehicle look awkward and time consuming.

“Improving home and vehicle security could also help reduce the insurance premium, demonstrating extra care and consideration for the vehicle reduces risk and could put pounds back in pockets.

“If we can reduce theft, it helps lower claims and therefore costs, helping to make insurance more affordable for all drivers.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s tips for protecting keyless cars:

1.Keep keys in a signal blocker

It’s best to store keys away from doors and windows and invest in a signal-blocking punch such as a Faraday bag, especially overnight, meaning thieves targeting your home can’t pick up the signal and use it to unlock your car.

2.Disable the keyless feature

Many manufacturers allow you to disable the wireless feature, so if you are concerned about being targeted or are parked in a high-risk area, this may be the best approach – you can normally turn it off when not in use, ideal for storing it in the house overnight.***

3.Use a steering wheel lock

Steering wheel locks may be one of the most effective deterrents against keyless car thefts. Keyless crimes are often quick and quiet, but a steering wheel lock makes it much harder for thieves as they don’t rely on software and can’t be hacked. The brightly coloured locks are a great visual deterrent and could help you to avoid being targeted.

4.Don’t keep any valuables in your car

Any valuables stored in your car will make it a much more attractive target for thieves. To avoid bringing any extra attention to your vehicle, make sure you empty out your car and take any valuables inside your home.

5.Consider your parking spot

Park your car in the garage or as close to your home as possible. If you have a camera doorbell fitted at the front of your home, try and park within its range and adjust the settings so you will be alerted to anyone in that area.

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year to compare and find savings on their car insurance.

References:
For data on general theft volumes across the UK – https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/drivers-urged-to-be-vigilant-as-vehicle-crime-hotspots-revealed
*https://www.driving.org/alarming-rise-in-vehicle-thefts-using-signal-manipulation/#:~:text=Theft%20Methods:%20How%20the%20Numbers,%2Dexistent%2C%20each%20at%200%25
**https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/news/land-rover-thefts-substantially-decline-as-new-model-becomes-the-target/1455933.article
***https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/preventing-car-and-vehicle-theft/preventing-keyless-car-theft